Ray Hadley in hot water over missing emails in 2GB bullying case

Talkback host Ray Hadley has been accused of failing to comply with a court order by not handing over "damaging emails" relating to his alleged bullying of a staff member at Sydney radio station 2GB.

Hadley was ordered by the NSW District Court to produce documents, including emails that were sent on and around February 7 which relate to the alleged altercation with digital content manager Richard Palmer.

2GB radio host Ray Hadley was stood down after an alleged altercation with digital content provider Richard Palmer.Credit:Anthony Johnson

The court was told on Friday that Hadley had handed over four emails, three of which were emails from "sycophantic listeners of his program".

But Mr Palmer's barrister, Shaun McCarthy, told the court that there had been many more emails when 2GB owners Macquarie Radio had been subpoenaed to produce all emails relating to the incident.

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These emails were sent on the "same day" as the other four Hadley had produced, but are "very damaging to him and his case", Mr McCarthy told the court.

He said Hadley should be ordered to appear before the court to explain why he had not handed over these other emails.

Counsel for Hadley said they had only become aware of the issue late on Thursday and successfully sought for the matter to be adjourned for a fortnight. It was highly possible it was an innocent mistake or error on Hadley's behalf, the court was told.

Mr Palmer is suing Hadley for damages resulting from the psychological harm he allegedly inflicted during an incident on February 7.

The statement of claim in the matter has not been released, but it is understood Hadley called Mr Palmer into his office because he was unhappy that the digital content manager had not uploaded a podcast of the Ray Hadley Morning Show quickly enough on to 2GB's website.

Mr Palmer recorded the exchange and the radio host was temporarily stood down after the recording was played to Macquarie Radio managing director Rob Loewenthal. But he was quickly reinstated after intervention from higher up the chain.

Hadley reportedly apologised to 2GB staff over the incident.

The court heard on Friday that Mr Palmer's health had deteriorated and he had two "very severe" medical conditions as a result of the alleged incident.

The matter is likely to be heard in April next year but Mr McCarthy said there may be an application to expedite the process because of Mr Palmer's health issues.

Hadley is also being sued in the NSW Supreme Court over allegations he "destroyed" the reputation" of a north-western Sydney fish and chip shop owner whose husband was convicted of aggravated indecent assault, calling her "vile" and a "grub" on air because she continued to support her husband.